Hackney’s Big Issue Vendor Graduates as a “Homeless Health Peer Advocate”

On the 4th of June we celebrated with Hackney’s Big Issue Vendor Kevin Headley, as he graduated as one of Groundswell’s ‘Homeless Health Peer Advocates’. Kevin is now qualified to help people who are homeless access appropriate healthcare.

Graduation is a proud moment for any student; it is a time of completion, of finishing, of an ending but also a time of celebration of achievement and a beginning.

“I am proud to be nearing the end of my recovery, and with the humane trust and support, I have been able to see a future that seems to suit me. Thank you, to Stephen Robertson who has never lost faith in a soul and his staff members, Lauren, Emma, Kathryn, Matt, etc…for their infallible belief which, united together, has become a foundation to stand on.“

Amongst the guests personally invited by Kevin, were Foundation’s Service Broker Lauren and one of his regular customer’s Sadia, both pictured with Kevin. Our CEO, Stephen Robertson also in attendance said:

‘I was hugely honoured when Kevin invited us to attend his graduation ceremony. Groundswell’s ‘Homeless Health Peer Advocacy’ is a great example of an initiative that connects people with lived experience of homelessness to others who struggle to find a voice within the healthcare system. Kevin will be an awesome addition to their wonderful team. I am so proud of all the work that Kevin has put into getting to this point. I am more than certain that Kevin’s star will shine. Well done mate’

To all his supporters who have sent loads of heart warming congratulations and well done messages, Kevin would like to say:

“Thank you so much folks, you are a tremendous inspiration and I feel like I am at home with my family, (Big Issue/Foundation/Groundswell), who know and advise me, and direct me towards certain recovery. I feel myself again, and would like to channel and vehicle the good energy with the return of help and support to the impoverish, homeless and needy…I’m positive that you have trained me well”.

Other of Kevin’s successes this year; was the completion of The Big London Night Walk in March, where he joined over 300 walkers to complete the 20km walk around London’s sights, from the street art of Shoreditch to the sparkling lights of the Southbank, raising in excess of £233.00 to support our work.

This is another proud moment for The Big Issue Foundation, this is the beginning of a new chapter for him and we wish Kevin every success in his new role.

You can read more vendor success stories like Kevin’s here.